Ottawa Senators Sign Peter Regin
The Ottawa Senators have announced that they have signed forward Peter Regin to a two-year deal. The signing narrowly avoids arbitration with the young Dane.
Peter Regin
Regin began his professional career playing for Herning IK of the Danish Elite League. He played for the squad for three years recording 46 points in just 36 games in his final season.
After his final year in Herning, Regin joined Swedish Elite League side Timra IK. He had an average first two seasons with the club, but managed to put together an impressive third campaign when he notched 12 goals and 19 assists for 31 points in 55 games.
His strong play in Scandinavia earned him the eye of the Ottawa Senators who selected him 87th overall in the third round of the 2004 National Hockey League (NHL) entry draft.
In 2008-09, Regin joined the Senators for 11 games, but was ultimately sent down to the Sens' American Hockey League (AHL) affiliate the Binghamton Senators. He had an impressive season in Binghamton, tallying 47 points in just 57 games.
Last season, Regin played in 75 contests with Ottawa, scoring 13 goals and 16 assists for 29 points. The total was good enough for 9th among all rookies.
Ottawa’s Perspective
For the Senators, the Regin signing worked out very well. They get back a skilled forward, who may be able to blossom and play a large role with the club in the future.
Regin has never dominated any league he has played in, but he has contributed consistently. The Senators can expect that of him in the NHL. He is not a liability on the ice, and has flashes of offence from time-to-time.
Regin played the majority of last season on the third line, averaging nearly 13 minutes a night. He spent most of the season playing with Jarkko Ruutu and Chris Neil. Next season will be more of the same for the Danish born centre.
Expect Regin to log minutes on the third line, and if there are any injuries, to see some time on the second. It is unlikely that Regin will see serious specialty teams time, however, if he does, expect it to be on the penalty kill, as the Senators are set up front on the power play.
The Regin signing means the completion of the forward core, for General Manager (GM) Bryan Murray. Regin fills out his front group, and he can start getting prepared for next season. In addition, the Regin signing leaves only one major restricted free agent in Chris Campoli. Once he is signed, the Senators should have their line-up set for puck drop in October.
Regin’s Perspective
For Regin, this a solid contract with a solid term. The Senators have gotten younger over the years and are not afraid of giving their young players third line responsibilities. Regin proved that he could handle the third line work load, and should be poised for a little bit more in the 2010-11 campaign.
Regin’s contract is one of the first in the last week or so, in which an unrestricted free agent was signed for longer than a year. This could mean that both sides are interested in continuing their working relationship. Regardless, Regin is likely to once again become an unrestricted free agent at the end of the term.
Regin found a good home in Ottawa. They have brought him through the ranks slowly, giving him more and more responsibility each season. Sticking around for two more years is a smart career move, as the Senators are constantly a team that is competing in the regular season and in the playoffs. Regin should get the necessary experience he needs to excel in Canada’s nation capital.
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